Situational Irony In The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Cornell

Throughout the historic course of literature, one story known as “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Cornell has incorporated specific types of irony for multiple differing and fundamental reasons. Situational irony is the first use of ironic elements that will be discussed in regards to the story. Situational irony is defined as “an incongruity that appears between the expectations of something to happen, and what actually happens instead ” (literarydevices.net). The story’s climax offers a unique twist to the plot as it includes an unexpected discovery, ultimately incorporating situational irony into the sequence of events. The story starts out with the introduction of the legendary hunter Bob Rainsford as he is shipwrecked and trapped on a deserted island. While staying on the island, Rainsford is introduced to the eccentric General Zaroff, who is a self proclaimed expert hunter as well. In short, the General turns out to be a sadistic psychopath who forces Rainsford into a game of “cat and mouse”, which causes Rainsford to fight for his life. This state of affair is considered to be situational irony because Zaroff defies the expectations of being a hunter to the audience. This is specifically shown in the text when Rainsford confronts General Zaroff in regards to what he is hunting:
“I can’t believe you are serious, General Zaroff.

This is a grisly joke.”
“Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting.”
“Hunting? Great God, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder.” (Cornell 110-112).
What is situationally ironic is that the new idea of “the hunter is becoming the hunted” is taking into effect.

Rainsford boasted about his great skill and wit, and now he is essentially getting a taste of his own medicine. This is a direct example of situational irony as something such as the discovery of General Zaroff being a murderer is completely unexpected to the audience while taking the previous circumstances of the plot into consideration. The purpose of this irony is to keep the audience intrigued and interested in the course of action the story has taken, as well as literally creating a turning point within the

plot.
The second type of irony used within “The Most Dangerous Game” is known as verbal irony. Verbal irony is defined as “the use of words expressing something contrary to truth or someone saying the opposite of what the really feel or mean” (softschools.com). This form of irony is specifically used during a conversation between General Zaroff and Rainsford right after he learns of the General’s barbaric passion, “‘Oh, yes,’ he said, casually, as if in answer to a question, ‘I have electricity. We try to be civilized here,’” (Cornell 131-132). What makes this comment ironic is that Zaroff goes to great lengths to prove his cultured perspective on society, when in reality he is taking part in an activity that involves the hunt and murder of other human beings (something that is considered cruel and inhuman throughout contemporary society). These claims of being civilized are ironic in the sense that they mean the complete opposite of what Zaroff does as a means of hobby. The audience makes the same connection as Rainsford does in the story, basically involving the realization that the General is speaking contrary to truth in regards to being a civilized member in society.